Spontaneous Atomic Sites Formation in Wurtzite CoO Nanorods for Robust CO2 Photoreduction

Controlled incorporation of single atoms in a suitable host matrix can result in a radical transformation in catalytic properties. However, finding a straightforward synthetic strategy that offers a compelling combination of solution processing, atomic doping and a matching host is still a grand challenge. Here, a spontaneous heteroatom formation of atomic Zn sites in well-defined wurtzite CoO nanorods, delivering high photoreduction rates, reaching 86.7 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) for CO and 31.4 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) for CH4 production is reported. Based on the validation of atomic Zn sites structures, catalytic process tracking via in situ/ex situ spectroscopic probes, and related structural simulations, a good description of the catalytic reaction kinetics for Zn/CoO as a function of applied potential is established, revealing how the single doping sites influence the CO2 photoreduction.

Automated summary

Controlled incorporation of single atoms in a suitable host matrix can lead to a significant transformation in catalytic properties, but finding an appropriate synthetic strategy remains a major challenge. This study reports on the spontaneous heteroatom formation of atomic Zn sites in well-defined wurtzite CoO nanorods, which exhibit high photoreduction rates.